The new playground at the former Prentiss Lions Club Park on Park Road was installed Monday, just in time for Christmas.

However, the synthetic turf and padding that covers the concrete and provides protection under the playground is not complete, so it will not be available for use until next week.

Earlier this year several fundraisers, led by James Allison, were held to help revitalize the park. In October,   

the Prentiss Board of Alderman voted to utilize a low interest loan from Southern Mississippi Planning and Development to purchase the first set of equipment that totaled $75,900.

Plans are to also repair the benches, tables and the basketball court in the future.

Planet Recess designed and installed the equipment. The playground will satisfy ages 5-12 with a low elevation that increases to six feet high.

Each component will be compliant with what is required by federal regulations.

The equipment was placed on one of the tennis courts taking advantage of the existing concrete foundation.

This alleviated the need for expensive clearing and dirt work.

Private donations are also still being accepted. Those donations will be applied to the loan.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition,” said Prentiss Mayor Charley Dumas. “Our hope is that children and families will continue to enjoy this park for years to come,” he said.